I don't know how people do two of the node professions. I HATE trying to use them without the find ability active...

For me, it's one+skinning, or one+crafting, not both.

If you use Carbonite or Cartographer, there are extra features that let you track on with Mini-map And then the HUD will track another (or both).

I used Carbonite, so on it's Mini-map, I could see where possible herbs/mines should be at. Just ran to the spot, and if it was there..good..if not..move on to the next. This also made power leveling the 2 profession a cake. I just set a course, ran it, did what I had to do..and moved to the next map.

I don't know how people do two of the node professions. I HATE trying to use them without the find ability active...

Well, you could try the Wetspot Addon, that automatically toggles between mining and herbalism tracking as you fly along. I have it set for 2 second cycle between mining and herbalism on my hunter. Combine that with Carbonite showing (or even routing) to both node types, and you are a gathering force to be reckoned with.

Now, if only I wasn't a lazy inhabitant of the AH, and actually logged onto my miner/herbalist.

Regarding Engineering, I think it is great fun. Actually, 3 of my toons have 450 engineering. You can always move professions to alts. It's not like leveling herbalism is hard or expensive. You just have to run back to the lower zones and pick a few plants.